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State inspects gas pumps for credit card skimmers

Inspectors are doing a month-long sweep at gas stations across North Carolina, looking for credit card skimmers at the pumps.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has visited 972 stations in 12 counties and checked more than 8,500 pumps.
 
Officials have found three skimming devices in Mecklenburg and Nash counties.
 
Inspectors are also educating gas station owners on what skimmers look like so they can be on the lookout and keep customers safe.

Thieves install the skimmers, which look like a credit card swiping device, at pumps, and they customer account information and the customer's PIN.
 
Customers should inspect the swiper by grabbing or shaking it and should be suspicious if it's loose.
When typing in the PIN, shield the keypad with your hand.
 
Consumers can also choose the credit card option instead of using a debit card to pay.
 
If a skimming device is found, the inspector will shut down the pump and call local law enforcement.

How to spot a card skimmer

  • Inspect the card slot. Even grab it and shake it a little. Be suspicious is it's crooked or loose.
  • When you type your PIN, shield it with your other hand, so a camera can't see.
  • Be especially cautious in tourist areas.
  • Avoid outside ATMs when possible.
  • Always keep an eye on your accounts.

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